Report: Lofa Tatupu visits with Saints

Linebacker Lofa Tatupu visited two NFL teams this week, showing that he very much plans to return to the NFL after sitting out 2011 following Seattle's decision to release him. Tatupu met with the Saints earlier this week, news first reported by the NFL Network and subsequently confirmed by The Times-Picayune. He also met with the Tennessee Titans.

Tatupu played six seasons for the Seahawks, becoming a three-time Pro Bowler before injuries limited him in his final three seasons. The Seahawks asked him to take a steep paycut when training camp opened last year, and even then, wouldn't guarantee him a spot on the regular-season roster. It was clear the team didn't see him as a starter going forward.

Tatupu was released by Seattle, and while he visited Washington and Oakland, he did not sign with a team last year.

Tatupu's connection with Tennessee is a direct one. Titans vice president Mike Reinfeldt and general manager Ruston Webster were both with the Seahawks when they drafted Tatupu in the second round out of USC in 2005.